Scott McInnis was a good representative for western Colorado for two decades, first in the state Legislature, then in Congress. The Daily Sentinel had every expectation that he would be our choice for governor this year.

But, based on the information that has become public over the past few days, we can no longer support him. He should withdraw from the campaign.

“We struggled with this one at the editorial board level. It was a hard decision only because Scott McInnis has given so much to this community and the state over his years of service,” Sentinel Publisher Jay Seaton said. “But in the end, the facts before us made the decision a relatively plain one. We saw a pattern that called into serious question the integrity of a candidate to become the chief executive of the state. That really says it all. He can no longer campaign as a viable candidate.”

McInnis apologized for the mistake, but he didn’t assume responsibility. And there is a difference. McInnis said he was sorry for the plagiarism, but noted that it was “unintentional” and blamed a research assistant for the errors. The foundation that paid McInnis for the work said they were unaware that McInnis had used a research assistant for the project.

Leaders are judged by how they face difficult situations. McInnis failed to take full responsibility for work that had his name on it and for which he was handsomely paid. More importantly, he has failed to understand the dearth in leadership he showed by trying to slough off plagiarism as an “election” issue.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.